Potted orchids are prized for their beauty and long shelf life. However, ensuring that they maintain their aesthetic appeal over extended periods has been a challenge, as they are among highly ethylene-sensitive plants. Recent tests conducted by an independent flower lab in the Netherlands reveal that Vidre+™ stickers can significantly enhance the shelf life and quality of potted orchids. After 14 days of tests, 80% of orchids treated with Vidre+™ maintained good quality compared to only 20% of the untreated ones.
The market for orchids, whose total trade in 2022 was worth $199M, has to face a growing demand to deliver high-quality plants that withstand long transportation and retail display times. Phalaenopsis orchids, a variety favored among consumers for their elegance, array of colors and long-lasting blooms, suffer from ethylene exposure during transport and storage, leading to premature aging and quality deterioration.
Photo: Phalaenopsis test - Day 5
Testing orchids
The Dutch Flower lab conducted research on how Vidre+™ stickers with a new generation of slow-release 1-MCP affect potted Phalaenopsis orchids. In a detailed study, five Phalaenopsis varieties — Yellow, White, Pink, Purple, and Special Orchids.
The Vidre+™ labels were applied inside the sleeve at the level just under the flowers. The plants were stored for 2 days in a carton box at 20°C followed by an ethylene exposure of ± 1ppm overnight for around 12 hours. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the stickers, plants were treated with an external source of ethylene.
Photo: Phalaenopsis test - Day 14
The test included a 14-day shelf life simulation under time-lapse cameras. The conditions were carefully controlled.
Results: Enhanced Orchid Shelf Life and Quality
The test results after 14 days demonstrated that Vidre+™ significantly improved the quality and shelf life of the Phalaenopsis orchids:
Graph: Overall quality of Phalaenopsis after 14 days
- Control Group: 20% of flowers demonstrated good, with 30% poor and only 20% in good condition
- 2 cm² Vidre+™: 80% of flowers demonstrated good, with 20% reaching excellent quality.
Conclusion
The Vidre+™ stickers have proven to be an efficient solution to the challenge of ethylene sensitivity in Phalaenopsis orchids.
- maintained quality
- prolonged shelf life
- preserved aesthetic appeal
By maintaining the quality of the plants, Vidre+™ technology benefits the ornamental plant industry, contributing to sustainability and reduced waste.
*Source: Research report: 50000837-538-02 conducted by a Flower Lab in the Netherlands, Date: February 2023
